The Presidential Office has indirectly countered political commentator Rhyu Si-min's 'reconstruction theory' regarding President Lee Jae-myung's political direction. Rhyu had suggested that President Lee's pursuit of a centrist and pragmatic approach amounted to a 'reconstruction' of the Democratic Party of Korea, implying a need for consensus from existing members. In response, Hong Ihk-pyo, the Senior Secretary to the President for Political Affairs, stated on June 29 that beyond 'expansion' or 'reconstruction,' there is also 'redevelopment,' particularly when issues are widespread, not just confined to individual units. Hong emphasized that the public, not politicians, ultimately decides the future direction, urging a focus on public opinion rather than internal disputes.
Rhyu's remarks, made during a YouTube broadcast on June 26, sparked significant debate within the Democratic Party, exacerbating factional tensions ahead of the August 17 party convention. His comment about needing 'consent from existing residents' for 'reconstruction' was seen as a direct challenge to President Lee's inclusive stance.
The controversy has also reignited a 'legitimacy' debate within the party, particularly concerning former President Roh Moo-hyun's legacy. Song Young-gil, a contender for party leadership, criticized former party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, alleging that Jeong had been estranged from Roh and did not attend his funeral. Jeong Cheong-rae refuted these claims, stating he mourned for a week and attended the funeral, demanding an apology from Song for spreading 'false information.' Han Min-su, identified as a close associate of Jeong, corroborated Jeong's attendance at the funeral.
Five-term lawmaker Park Jie-won weighed in, suggesting that former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok might have a stronger claim to Roh's 'legitimacy' than Jeong. Park urged party members to refrain from internal 'grave digging' that only benefits opposing forces, advocating for self-restraint.
Amidst this internal turmoil, a scheduled luncheon on July 1 between President Lee and former President Moon Jae-in, followed by a dinner with the Democratic Party's floor leadership, is anticipated as a potential turning point for resolving the party's internal divisions. Hong Ihk-pyo indicated that the meeting would address social and political integration within the progressive camp, and that President Lee had previously advised party members to be mindful of their language when addressing fellow 'comrades.'